Some Suggestions for Presentation

The backgrounds to both Doctrine and Covenants 7 and 13 could be reviewed and the question asked: “What is one lesson we can learn about receiving revelation from these backgrounds?” Note that both came as a direct result of questions that Joseph and Oliver had asked—a literal fulfillment of Doctrine and Covenants 4:7.

John the Beloved (Scripture Analysis, Discussion)

1.

The teacher may wish to review some of the significant events in the mortal life and ministry of John the Beloved. A short review of his ministry is found in the Bible dictionary under “John.” Transparency 4, “The Ministry of John the Beloved,” could be used to aid this review.

2.

Doctrine and Covenants 7 adds some significant insights into what Jesus said about John as recorded in John 21:20-23. This revelation could be reviewed and the points under A of Theme Analysis discussed.

3.

How significant is the ministry of John the Beloved to Latter-day Saints? The following are examples of what might be discussed?

a.

He was commissioned to record events about the last days that no other prophet was permitted to write (see 1 Nephi 14:18-27).

b.

He was sent among the ten tribes to assist them in their preparation to return to Zion (see Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:253; History of the Church, 1:176).

c.

He assisted in the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which allows us to receive the blessings of that priesthood.

The Return of John the Baptist (Review, Quiz)

A true or false quiz about the return of John the Baptist could be used to help motivate students to discuss the importance of Doctrine and Covenants 13. The following are only suggested questions, and you may wish to change them or add to them:

1.

John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in consequence of their study in the New Testament concerning baptism. (False. The inquiry came as a result of translating the Book of Mormon. See JS-H 1:67-68.)

2.

The inquiry of Joseph and Oliver regarding the true order of baptism resulted in the visitation of John the Baptist. (True. See JS-H 1:67-68.)

3.

John the Baptist said that he was acting under the direct supervision of Jesus. (False. He said he came at the direction of Peter, James, and John. See JS-H 1:72.)

4.

John the Baptist performed the ordinance of baptism for Joseph and Oliver. (False. He gave them the authority and they baptized each other. See JS-H 1:70-71.)

5.

At the time of his earthly ministry prior to the ministry of Christ, John the Baptist was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom. (True. See Smith, Teachings, p. 276.)

The Significance of the Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood (Scripture Analysis, Chalkboard Illustration)

1.

Oliver Cowdery’s description of the return of John the Baptist offers some significant insights that could be discussed. (See Historical Background for D&C 13 in the student manual.)

2.

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood provided one of the keys to unlock the door to salvation. It provided the keys of the gospel of repentance and of baptism. Discuss the significance of these keys to our progression.

3.

John also delivered the keys of the ministering of angels. Wilford Woodruff made a statement which is an example of. this (see Notes and Commentary on D&C 13:1). President Harold B. Lee also gave insight concerning the ministrations of those on the other side of the veil: “When we begin to understand that, beyond sight, as Brigham Young said, is the spirit world right here round about us. If our spiritual eyes could be open, we could see others visiting with us, directing us. And if we will learn not to be so sophisticated that we rule out that possibility of impressions from those who are beyond sight, then we too may have a dream that may direct us as a revelation.” (Harold B. Lee, Divine Revelation, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Provo, 15 Oct. 1952 . pp. 10-11; see also A. Theodore Tuttle, Ensign, May 1980, p. 40, for statements about ministrations from the Lord’s agents beyond the veil.)